United States: Repeated IRS Warnings Haven’t Stopped Telephone Scams

In October 2013, the IRS issued taxpayers a warning about a pervasive telephone scam designed to solicit payments and release of personal information from individuals. The IRS issued a second warning concerning the scam near the end of the 2014 filing season, but the calls have continued into the 2015 filing season with no end in sight.

Scammers have largely targeted elderly persons and recent immigrants. Victims receive calls from people impersonating IRS employees, often […]

By |February 18th, 2015|

United States: In The Matter Of Layne Christensen: SEC Applies A Questionable Interpretation Of The FCPA’s “Business Nexus Element”

On 27 October 2014, the Layne Christensen Company, a US corporation specialising in deep drilling for energy resources, entered into a $5 million settlement with the SEC to resolve charges under the FCPA. The SEC based its charges on a very broad, and possibly overreaching, interpretation of the “business nexus element” of the FCPA’s anti-bribery provisions.

The SEC accused Layne Christensen of bribing officials in several African countries in order to receive reduced tax liability […]

By |February 17th, 2015|

United States: Tips And Traps Regarding The Statute Of Limitations And Signing Statute Waivers

As you end your telephone conversation with the revenue examiner, you think to yourself, “Thank goodness, this one is finally over!” The audit of your biggest client started over three years ago, and has seemingly dragged on forever. Based on the call you just had with the examiner, it appears that you’ve finally agreed to a list of adjustments. But, before you tell your client to pay the amount the examiner says is due, […]

By |February 17th, 2015|